Styling your Coffee Tables

Styling your coffee tables can be a daunting task for some. Today, I am sharing a few ideas for ways to tackle this design opportunity!

Nate Berkus is absolutely one of the most inspiring interior designers that has influenced me throughout the years. Besides that, he and my brother and his family, were all survivors of the the tsunami that devastated Thailand years ago, so I have felt a unique bond with him. He has said that “Everyone should be able to sit in a room with pieces that spark memories”. Not only do I completely agree with this sentiment, but I incorporate it fully throughout my home.

A coffee table is typically a centerpiece of most family rooms and living rooms. As you and your family or guests are sitting around your coffee tables, they are getting a glimpse into things that are important to you.

I have always encouraged my clients and my friends (only when asked, of course!) to utilize this area as a display for cherished accessories, your passions and your interests. Not only does it allow your guests to get to know you better, but it also can initiate enlightening conversations about the places you have visited, your passions (in my case, this includes favorite designers, artists, places we have traveled, etc.), and the people and things that inspire you or have sentimental value.

Every coffee table vignette should include the following:

Coffee table books or trays…they provide a great foundation for your decorative items (especially if you have a glass coffee table like mine!). I have links to several of my favorites below!

Decorative items in a variety of shapes, textures and materials…old and new, contemporary or antique…mix it up!

Items that are “personal” in nature or things that have sentimental value to you or your family

Organic components…flowers, greenery, materials from the outdoors

Accessories that add vertical height to the arrangement

Candles!!! You can never have to many candles!

My coffee tables here (notice I have two!!) include all of the above elements. Layering is key! Books about horses, clothing and shoe designers, other interior designers, party planners and books on gardening will typically be a part of any coffee table styling that I create. You can shop all of my favorite coffee table books HERE.

The magnifying glass has special meaning because my mother has been legally blind for most of my life and she uses a magnifying glass regularly to help her try to see things a little easier, so it reminds of her. I chose the rock crystal votive holder because it’s “organic” feel and I enjoy sparkly things…win, win!

The antique wooden “necktie” box belonged to my grandfather and is greatly cherished! The peonies came straight out of my garden. I am obsessed with peonies!! Having had an enormous collection of crystal rose bowls through the years, I always love every opportunity to bring them out for fresh flowers.

This side of the tables includes more of my favorite books by so many of the designers that have inspired me. One of my most relevant accessories is the large set of metal “jacks”. As a young child, my mom taught me to play “Jacks” and I would sit for hours and play it with her or my siblings. They were a “must have” accessory because of the sentimental value. Every time I see them, a smile is eminent!

My Favorite Books for Styling your Coffee Table

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Hopefully, I have provided you with a few inspirations for styling your coffee tables! Here are a few other posts that might enjoy seeing on the same topic.

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Interior designer, mother of two, frequent party hostess, charity event planner, sharing my passion for easy and affordable, elegant entertaining, home design, holiday decor, DIY projects, and how to recycle, reuse & re-purpose! Also, being born and raised in Dallas, TX, I love bringing the influences of my upbringing into my new life with my family and friends here in Colorado.